Engineers honoured at Westminster Abbey thanksgiving service

In the first event of its kind, representatives from across the engineering community gathered at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 22nd November to celebrate the government’s Year of Engineering and the vast contribution that engineers make to society.

IPEM supported 10 members to attend this multi faith service.

The opening address was delivered by Professor Dame Ann Dowling, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering. She paid tribute to some of the great British engineers of the past, including Thomas Telford and Robert Stephenson, who are buried at the abbey, and Sir Frank Whittle, whose achievements are celebrated on a memorial stone within the abbey.

Looking to the future, Dowling said: “Engineering expertise will be key to tackling the global challenges we face in the years to come. Engineers will play a central role in addressing the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. They will help to ensure that our growing population will have access to food, water, clean energy and affordable healthcare. Students from local schools were also invited to attend.

The service proved a chance to reflect on how industry and government have joined forces throughout 2018 to bring engineering to life for young people from all backgrounds with the Year of Engineering campaign.